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2nd BCT celebrates Martin Luther King

Sgt. Kevin Stabinsky
2nd BCT, 3rd Inf. Div. PAO

POSTED:February 6, 2008 5:02 a.m.

Sgt. Kevin Stabinsky / Coastal Courier/

A slide show of Martin Luther King's life, projected onto the wall, is viewed by soldiers while they listen to Dr. King's "I Have a Dream Speech" Jan. 15 at the Forward Operating Base Kalsu dining facility.

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq - "Today is a day we celebrate a man who has done many great things."With these words SGM William Jones Jr., 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division operations sergeant major, stressed to soldiers the importance of celebrating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.The official holiday celebrating King's birthday falls on Jan. 21 but the 2nd BCT equal opportunity office held its observation Jan. 15 in the FOB Kalsu dining hall.King's life was honored with fellowship, food and talent displays.During the ceremony, many soldiers showcased their singing and dancing abilities.Jones, a native of Greensville, S.C., stressed that King stood for the rights of all people, and his contributions to equality are enjoyed by all Americans."He was a humanitarian most of all," he said. "Martin did what he did so that we could all enjoy freedom."Besides enjoying the fruits of his labors, people can benefit today from the example he set in his personal life.Jones said one of the most important things Americans should be thankful for is the hard road King endured; now, many Americans don't have to face those trials. "You don't have to take the hard road. That is why we celebrate this man."Chap. (Maj.) Albert Downing, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Inf. Div., chaplain, asked God to help soldiers in their struggles, just as King sought help from God years before."Father, you allowed him to make a difference and change lives. We ask that you enable us to come together regardless of our nationality or color, that we could come together to make a difference in the world," Downing prayed.